repression
ruh-PREH-shuhn
Repression (noun) means the use of force or authority to control or suppress people, especially their rights or freedoms. Example: “The regime was known for its brutal repression of political opponents.”
noun
1
The use of force or authority to control or suppress people, especially their rights or freedoms.
"The regime was known for its brutal repression of political opponents."
"Journalists risked arrest because of the government's repression of the free press."
"Years of repression left the villagers afraid to speak openly in public."
2
In psychology, the unconscious pushing away of painful or unwanted thoughts and feelings.
"The therapist believed his fear stemmed from childhood repression."
"Psychologists say repression can hide a painful memory from your conscious mind for years."
"Her calm manner was partly repression, since she never allowed herself to feel the loss."
How to use repression
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishForcefully holding something down, whether it's a population or one's own emotions.
Common pairings
political repression
emotional repression
state of repression
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Word forms
- Plural
- repressions
Fill the gap
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The regime was known for its brutal _____ of political opponents.
Etymology
Formed from "repress" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ion," ultimately from Latin reprimere ("to press back").
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for repression
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for repression →
Frequently asked questions
What does “repression” mean?
The word “repression” means the use of force or authority to control or suppress people, especially their rights or freedoms. In plain terms, forcefully holding something down, whether it's a population or one's own emotions.
How do you pronounce “repression”?
“Repression” is pronounced ruh-PREH-shuhn (/ɹəˈpɹɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “repression” in a sentence?
Here is “repression” used in a sentence: “The regime was known for its brutal repression of political opponents.”
What part of speech is “repression”?
“Repression” is a noun.
Where does the word “repression” come from?
The word “repression” comes from Latin. Formed from "repress" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ion," ultimately from Latin reprimere ("to press back").
Is “repression” a common word?
“Repression” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “repression” have?
“Repression” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the use of force or authority to control or suppress people, especially their rights or freedoms.
